Denim Therapy had a chance to interview Big Star USA‘s women’s designer Miki Flores on the summer lookbook, the brand’s latest happenings, and what’s in store for next season. Go behind the scenes with this exclusive Q&A!

Denim Therapy: We’re in love with the Summer 2012 campaign/lookbook. What was the inspiration behind it?

Big Star: We used “Road Trip” as our theme for the Spring look book. A bit of a laid back bohemian vibe, which fit perfectly with our collection that included vintage denims, neon shorts and easy fitting jersey dress.

DT: Who is the Big Star customer right now?

BS: Our customers are independent and confident individuals who take youthful and modern approach when it comes to styling their outfits.

DT: What kind of washes are being emphasized in the line right now?

BS: We have always focused on bringing authentic denim washes to our customers. For this season, we focused a little more on paler shades and a bit of destruction with a twist of contemporary furnishings.

DT: Does your team have any pre-designing rituals?

BS: We normally take inspiration research trips to Europe or Asia to bring in freshness and also to step out of our daily routines. But doing vintage treasure hunts at flea markets or vintage stores are also very inspiring as well.

DT: How do you see street style/the web/developments in the online fashion community shaping the brand’s interaction (and even its DNA) moving forward?

BS: They play a huge role in shaping trends and what gets accepted at mass level. Most of us are spending more and more of our awake moments online or on our phones and seeing these influencers pushing new and edgier looks is definitely helping trend directions. I believe this plays a huge role on current trends of colors and prints.

DT: Finally, what message would you like to give to denim consumers right now?

We love editorials that don’t appear too forced (though the occasional awkward, stiff model in a ballgown is fun, we’re sorta free-spirited here at DT). This denim-clad ed in Oyster Magazine hits the nail on the head, featuring Ashley Smith chain smoking and having fun on a summer road trip, shot by Jason Lee Parry. Her gap-toothed grin and excessive jewelry are a refreshing departure from, say, editorials like this, which are denim-rich but lacking a certain genuine joviality that we associate with wearing our favorite fabric. Ashley rocks a variety of denim trends, from printed colored jeans to patchwork mom-jeans and a perfect worn-in, dirty denim workshirt. Take a mini mental vacation today and check out the images below.